COLUMBIA, S.C. - Gov. Mark Sanford says he has a better understanding for how most state employees feel now that training for the Air Force Reserves has put him on the bottom of the pecking order.

It "helps you to that much better understand where one of these state employees would be feeling," Sanford said. "From the standpoint of empathy, I think there's tremendous value."

Sanford allowed reporters to listen to his nightly conference call with senior staff Thursday night. The governor is at Maxwell Air Force Base near Montgomery, Ala., where he is going through two-week reserves training.

So far, the training has been focused on leadership and has not been very physically demanding, Sanford said.

But he said waking up a little earlier in the morning and going to bed a little later has given him a new perspective.

During the 30-minute conversation, Sanford asked chief-of-staff Fred Carter twice about a House plan to provide $200 dollar bonuses for state employees who make less than $30,000 each year. The proposal requires agencies to reward employees with a one-time bonus, but does not provide additional money to do so.

Some agency heads questioned the plan, and Sanford said they raised important questions about prioritizing during tight budget times.

Sanford was briefed on other legislation during the conference call with Carter, including a Senate bill on predatory lending that passed Wednesday and is up for House debate. Carter also told the governor his education proposals had been introduced.

Sanford also asked about the state's security level. After some discussion, State Law Enforcement Chief Robert Stewart agreed to lower the level to save money for local and state agencies that have increased patrols.

Sanford said being away has also has given him time to work out and rededicate himself to staying fit.

The governor said he plans to focus on health issues when he returns, taking a cue from Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue's challenge to his state workers to lose weight.

"It's something that when I come back I'm going to really want to spend some time on," Sanford said. "It's directly related to health and health is directly related to cost in South Carolina."